Handgun Purchase Decision Making

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Deborah Merritt
5 years ago
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1 Handgun Purchase Decision Making Handgun Training Specialist

2 Basic Selection Factors What is the primary use (uses) of the handgun? Exa: If you are going to carry a concealed handgun The size of the gun will be a leading consideration. Sport/Target Shooting Hunting Home defense Concealed Carry The handgun Handgun operation keep it simple and safe Handgun size does it fit your hand and needs Recoil management factors - Considers using the same ammunition in all handguns In the order of creating the most shooting and recoil control 1. Grip 3 finger 2. Barrel length 3. Weight Trigger mechanism Weight Caliber 1. Double action only DAO 2. Single action only 3. Conventional - Double action and single action DA/SA 4. Internal striker Semi auto or revolver Disassemble and clean easy to field strip and reassemble is what you want If you plan on carrying the handgun your clothes selection and where you will carry the gun will be a factor that will influence the selection process. Physical size and strength of the owner and operator Are there multiple users? all would have to be able to operate the handgun The costs of learning to shoot and stay proficient costs are dictated by the skill and time learning curve and ammunition cost it takes to become a safe and proficient shooter and the ammunition costs required to stay proficient. Training methods and a user-friendly handgun can help keep costs within your budget. Physical ability is required to shoot a handgun. You do not need to be an athlete, but shooting requires minimum specific physical skill, agility and vision. We do a skills evaluation to asses these and recommend specific skill practice if necessary.

3 These are not necessarily listed in the order of importance Also What are your physical abilities or limitations? Hand, finger and upper body strength have an effect on the gun you select. Can you pull a 10 to 15 lb double action revolver trigger pull? Can you manually operate the slide on a semi auto? Can you control the recoil of the shot? Can you hold the gun at arm s length? 2. Which gun best fits your hands? The fit between the pistol and the hand affect how well you shoot. Because accuracy relies heavily on trigger control it is best if the trigger finger places properly on the trigger when the pistols blackstrap is centered in the web of the hand 3. How much time will you commit to mastering the handgun? A revolver is simple and easy to operate, therefore requiring less skill and time to master the weapon. A pistol (semi-auto) requires more time to learn to operate, load and unload. While quality semi autos are very reliable, the shooter should know how to deal with potential semi auto operational problems, such as fail to fire, double feed, stove piping, failure to eject and failure to feed. All semi autos require that you proof fire the ammunition you will carry for self-defense to verify the operational reliability of the ammunition. 4. How will you carry the handgun? Fanny Pack Holster Belly Band Other Combination of all above 2

4 Some considerations for selecting a concealed carry handgun are: Size of handgun Caliber Weight Sights Barrel length Grip size Recoil control Ammunition capacity Dependability of handgun and carry gear Concealable - The firearm must be concealed in order to carry it legally. Shooting capability - You must be able to operate the firearm, understand its function, and manage the recoil. Availability can you access it when you need it? Securing the handgun form accidentally dropping it or being disarmed. The handgun must be secured in some type of holster or concealed carry devise Shooting Skill to save your life Knock down power - The firearm must have adequate power to stop an assailant from carrying out an attack against you. Double action trigger Select a firearm you are comfortable with. Understand how it functions. Make sure it meets your needs. Be sure it is a quality, dependable handgun Use appropriate ammunition 3

5 Your Goal: Access a secure, concealed handgun and fire accurate shots that stop the attacker. This requires the selection of the proper concealed carry device The proper handgun Safe practice with your equipment Know you limitations Pros and cons are: Remember you have to be able to control the handgun and make consistent shot placements on the target. Barrel length, weight and the ability to grip have a big effect on recoil control and shooting consistency. Handguns with small grips are harder to hold onto and control The heavy and larger gun may be harder to conceal The heavy and larger gun is easer to shoot A small light handgun in a large caliber is harder to control then a larger handgun in the same caliber. Fanny packs allow the carry of larger handguns, but may restrict the carry of the handgun in other locations. Best Semi-Auto Double Action Only Double Action with a de-cocker (with or without a manual safety) Examples are: See links for more information What is the most dependable handgun for you? Revolver or Semi Auto Answer: The one you can bet your life on!! The revolver is generally the best handgun for the casual carry person. 4

6 How to fit the gun to your hand Hold the handgun as shown to the left. Your finger should be placed on the trigger as shown below. See Below- The trigger finger should be able to reach the trigger as shown below. The fit between the pistol and the hand affect how well you shoot. Because accuracy relies heavily on trigger control it is best if trigger finger can be placed on the trigger as shown below when the pistols backstrap is centered in the web of the hand. Figure 1 Figure 2 See above When the trigger finger is moved correctly (Figure 1) the movement occurs at the first joint, and the direction of movement is almost parallel to the bore axis. With incorrect movement of the trigger finger (Figure 2) several muscles and finger joints are moved. Pressure is applied to the side of the trigger. 5

7 In this example above the finger is in contact with the edge of the trigger, which will result in lateral and inconsistent pressure. Lateral pressure on the trigger produces pulled shots. Using the tip of the finger can lead to lateral pressure on the trigger, which throws off the shot. 6

Revolver Grips help tame the little beast A 3 finger hogue type grip helps manage recoil.

Defense Round Smith and Wesson Model 442 Airweight Smith and Wesson Model 442 Airweight 38 special 5 shot

8 Revolver Grips help tame the little beast A 3 finger hogue type grip helps manage recoil. The principle is true for semi auto also- many semi autos with a magazine extension or this can be purchased as a aftermarket grip. Recoil control can be improved by using a lighter bullet Such as Federal Hydra-shok 110 grain Person Self Defense Round Smith and Wesson Model 442 Airweight Smith and Wesson Model 442 Airweight 38 special 5 shot Lightweight Easy to carry Small Grip Short Barrel Standard grip Hogue Grip installed see more Main use: Concealed Carry, not a true target gun. Recessed rear sights and low profile front sight Install a laser grip for improved accuracy. 7

a speed loader for quick and easy loading Add a laser and you

9 Smith and Wesson Model 49 Becomes more controllable by switching to Pachmayr rubber grips Without Rubber Grips Carry 5 rounds in a speed loader for quick and easy loading Add a laser and you have a small handgun that you can really shoot and hit your target 8

10 Ruger SP Magnum 5 shot 2 inch Revolver Recessed rear sight Low profile front sight Concealed Carry gun Double action trigger pull only Heavier than S&W 442, but when using.38 special rounds it is easier to control recoil than 442 above. 9

Ruger GP 100.357 Magnum 6 Rounds 4 barrel Double and single action trigger Raised front sight and adjustable rear sight is good Target and Concealed Carry handgun.

11 Ruger GP Magnum 6 Rounds 4 barrel Double and single action trigger Raised front sight and adjustable rear sight is good Target and Concealed Carry handgun. If carried concealed gun would most likely be carried in holster or fanny pack due to its size and weight. Consideration Summary: The handgun has to fit you hand You need to be able to pull the trigger You need to be able to manage the recoil to make consistent shot placement 10

Semi autos Kel -Tec Tip: Learn to read the Technical specifications on the manufactures web site: TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Calibers : Weight unloaded lbs.

12 Semi autos Kel -Tec Tip: Learn to read the Technical specifications on the manufactures web site: TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Calibers : Weight unloaded lbs. : Loaded magazine :.380 AUTO 8.3 oz. 2.8 oz. Length : 5.2" Height : 3.5" Width :.77" Sight radius : 3.8" Muzzle Energy Max : Capacity : Trigger Pull : 250 ft lbs rounds 5lbs 11

13 One of my carry handguns Kel-Tek 9mm PF-9 The PF-9 is a semi-automatic, locked breech pistol, chambered for the 9mm Luger cartridge. It has been developed from our highly successful P-11 and P-3AT pistols with maximum concealability in mind. The PF-9 has a single stack magazine holding 7 rounds. It is the lightest and flattest 9 mm ever made. Firing mechanism is Double- Action Only with an automatic hammer block safety. The PF-9 will be available in blued, parkerized, and hard chrome finishes. Grips will be in black, grey, and olive drab. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS Calibers: 9mm 9 x 19 Weight unloaded: 12.7 oz. 360g Loaded magazine: 5.5 oz. 156g Length: 5.85" 149mm Height : 4.3" 0.88" 109m m Barrel Length: 3.1" 79mm Capacity: Trigger Pull: 5 lbs 22.2N 12

14 Ruger LCP.380 One of my carry handguns see more All Models: Caliber: 380 Auto Capacity: 6+1 Length: 5 16" Width: 0 82" Height: 3 60" Barrel Alloy Steel Barrel Blued Slide Alloy Steel Slide Blued Grip F Black, High Performance 13

15 Sig Saur P239 One of my primary concealed carry handguns First shot double action, others single action Decocker Hammer and firing pin system Target and Concealed carry 14

16 Glock Number of safeties 3 Length (slide) 174 mm 6.85 in. 174 mm 6.85 in. Height 2) 127 mm 5.00 in. 127 mm 5.00 in. Width 30 mm1.18 in. 30 mm 1.18 in. Length between sights 3) 152 mm 5.98 in. 152 mm 5.98 in. Barrel length 102 mm 4.02 in. 102 mm 4.02 in. Length of twist 250 mm 9.84 in. 250 mm 9.84 in. Barrel profile right hand twist, hexagonal profile Magazine capacity 4) 10 / 15 / 17 (31) Glock 9mm Double action Striker fired No de-cocker Trigger safety Same trigger and safety system as Springfield XD 15

17 Semi auto considerations You must be able to manual operate the slide The handgun must fit you hand Can you pull a double action trigger Know the type of handgun trigger mechanisms What type of safety devise are on the gun Summary There are many quality handguns on the market. Revolvers are simpler to operate and less prone to operating malfunctions Be sure you know how your handgun operates If you have a semi auto you should know how to clear operating malfunctions caused by the gun or ammunition Handguns come in many sizes and calibers. Pick one that s meets your needs and practice with your equipment. The Language of Handguns Firearms, like many products, are mechanical and have their own terminology and jargon. We offer this alphabetized glossary of terms to help you get started. Cocked: A gun is cocked when the hammer is pulled back and set under spring tension. Most guns discharge when the trigger is released and the weight of the spring power slams the hammer forward and consequently the firing pin strikes the ammunition. Depending on the gun s design, the hammer may be cocked manually (with one s thumb) for a light, short trigger pull; by pressing the double-action trigger (called trigger cocking) for a longer, heavier trigger pull or by the action of a semi- automatic pistol s slide (when its rearward movement cocks the hammer.) Decock: Lowering the cocked hammer on a loaded chamber without discharging the gun, usually accomplished on semi-autos by pressing a decocking lever. (Though riskier, some semiautomatics and all revolvers are de-cocked manually, by simultaneously pressing the trigger while easing the hammer down with one s fingers.) Double-Action-Only (DAO): A revolver or semiautomatic pistol which only fires through trigger cocking (double action); never from a cocked hammer (single action). Semi-auto Dao s mechanically lower the hammer after each shot. DAO revolvers are set up to eliminate the option of single-action firing altogether. 16

18 Double-Action Revolver: A revolver that can be discharged two ways: first, by simply pulling the trigger, which cocks, then releases the hammer; second, by manually thumb- cocking the hammer then pressing the trigger. Double-action revolvers differ from cowboy-style single-action revolvers, which must be thumb-cocked for every shot. Double Action (Semi-Automatic): A hybrid pistol that can be initially discharged through trigger cocking; in all subsequent shots, the slide s movement cocks the hammer for single-action operation Manual safety or thumb safety: Usually a lever mounted toward the rear of the slide, or the frame below the slide, designed to prevent discharge, even if the trigger is pressed. This is mechanically accomplished by blocking the trigger, hammer or firing pin. Semi-automatic pistol: A hand-gun fed by a magazine and de-signed to discharge one cartridge with each trigger pull. When fired, force from the discharge drives the slide back, ejecting the empty case; when the slide returns, it moves one cartridge from the magazine into the chamber. Sometimes called autos or autoloaders, because the ammunition is fed from the magazine into the chamber automatically. Single Action (Semi-Automatic): A pistol that will only fire if the hammer is cocked, either manually or by the gun s firing cycle. Most common example is the 1911 Government Model. Striker-fired: Semi-auto pistol where the hammer and firing pin are replaced with a spring-tensioned punch. The trigger releases the striker to impact the cartridge s primer. Some designs place partial spring pressure on the striker, but obstruct it with an internal block to prevent discharge without pressure on the trigger. Striker-fired: Semi-auto pistol where the hammer and firing pin are replaced with a spring-tensioned punch. The trigger releases the striker to impact the cartridge's primer. Some designs place partial spring pressure on the striker, but obstruct it with an internal block to prevent discharge without pressure on the trigger. 17

19 One-Stop Shopping Beretta USA Indian Head Hwy Accokeek, MD (800) Colt s Mfg. Co., LLC P. O. Box 1868 Hartford, CT (800) 962-COLT CZ-USA 3327 N. 7th St. Kansas City, KS (800) Detonics USA 115 Enterprise Dr., Ste. B Pendergrass, GA (866) Glock, Inc Highlands Pkwy. Smyrna, GA (770) Heckler & Koch Pacific Blvd. Sterling, VA (703) Kahr Arms 1 Blue Hill Plaza P.O. Box 1518 Pearl River, NY (845) Kel-Tec CNC Ind., Inc. P. O. Box Cocoa, FL

20 (321) Kimber Mfg., Inc. 1 Lawton St. Yonkers, NY (406) North American Arms, Inc South 950 East, Provo, UT (800) Para-Ordnance Mfg. Inc. 980 Tapscott Road Scarborough, ON, Canada M1X1C3 (416) SIGARMS 18 Industrial Drive Exeter, NH (603) Smith & Wesson 2100 Roosevelt Ave. Springfield, MA (800) Springfield Armory 420 W. Main Geneseo, IL (800)

21 Sturm, Ruger & Co., Inc. 200 Ruger Road Prescott, AZ (928) Taurus International NW 49th Ave. Miami, FL (800) Walther 2100 Roosevelt Ave. Springfield, MA (800) Ammunition Manufacturers

Villages Straight Shooters Seminar November, 2018

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